The collection consists of approximately 100 items on alchemy and early chemistry, the most notable item being De Secretis Mulierum. The collection also includes manuscripts of lectures given by Sir Henry Roscoe; his notes on solar chemistry work; letters written to him by a number of his peers and his notebook from 1849. The many volumes of letters in the collection includes correspondence with contemporaries such as Robert Bunsen, Michael Faraday, Dmitri Mendeleeff and Louis Pasteur as well as with a number of Presidents of the Chemical Society and the Royal Institute of Chemistry.
Roscoe , Sir , Henry Enfield , 1833-1915 , Knight , chemist and university administratorThree notebooks connected to the same Ross-on-Wye medical practice including notebook from William Edward Green’s student days, 1861, containing notes on anatomy and biochemistry, pharmaceutical formulae, notes on childbirth and notes on physiology and chemistry; general notebook of William Edward Green, the cover bearing a faded label reading "Club Prescription: Bate's Charity" and notebook of Walter Holcroft Cam, Arthur Llewellyn Baldwin Green and George Marner Lloyd, recording particular cases and noteworthy items from the medical press, 1932.
Green , Arthur Llewellyn Baldwin , fl 1902-1970 , physician Green , William Edward , fl 1867-1922 , physician Cam , Walter Holcroft , fl 1909-1938 , physician Lloyd , George Marner , fl 1934-1995 , physicianCours de Chimie. Rédigé d'après les Leçons de Mr. Rouelle et transcrit en 1762. The half-title of Vol. I is 'Cours de Chimie. 1761'. The second volume is headed: 'Cours de Chymie rédigé d'après les Leçons de Mr. Rouelle, et transcrit en 1762. Commencé le IIe fevrier de cette présente année sur les cahiers de Mr. Vincent de Billi, venus de M. Huet par M. David qui les tenoit de M. Diderot'. At the end of the volume is a note: 'Mr. Rouelle a fini son Cours de Chymie ce 29e mai 1762 ... et il l'a commencé le 16e novembre 1761'. Produced in Paris.
Rouelle , Guillaume François , 1703-1770Records relating to the Royal College of Chemistry, 1844-1952, comprising articles and correspondence relating to the foundation stone, 1952; ledgers of members, 1844-1846; subscribers and donors, 1846-1852; minutes of the Council of the Royal College of Chemistry, 1845-1853; minutes of the Building, Finance, Laboratory and Management Committees, 1845-1847; registers of students of the Royal College of Chemistry, 1845-1876.
Royal College of ChemistryNotes from the lectures of George Fordyce at his house in Essex Street, Strand, for a period extending over 30 years on subjects including clinical lectures, acute diseases, chemistry, chronic diseases, diseases of women and children, materia medica and the natural history of the human body. Transcribed, mainly from short-hand notes, by Henry Rumsey, one of his pupils, 1785-1787.
Rumsey , Henry Nathaniel , fl 1785-1787 , surgeonJohann David Seegar's holograph MSS entitled 'Philosophische und theologische Gedanken von der Entelechie, oder von der bewegenden und herfürbringenden Krafft der Natur und ihrer von dem Schöpfer von Anfang beygelegten Fortpflantzungs-Weise der Menschen und der Thiere und ihrer Seelen'. Of the two volumes, the first contains a copy of the first three chapters, the second 'Beylagen' to the main text.
Seeger , Johann David , fl 1772-1776The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence: the Singers were clearly vigorous letter writers and both Charles and Dorothea had an enormous number of family, friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately many of their letters were hand written and very few carbon copies survive. Very occasionally an attempt at methodical selection and arrangement is evident: on the whole correspondence had been kept in alphabetical order, and this has been retained in the arrangement of the collection. Dorothea and Charles' correspondence was fairly mixed (reflecting their working life together) with the exception of two distinct groups: correspondence about Dorothea's research on alchemical manuscripts, and later correspondence about her hearing aids.
The main part of the collection centres on the correspondence; this has been grouped together in a self-evident sequence: writings and biographical personal papers follow. Certain of Dorothea's papers remained clearly distinct and these have been kept together. Section E contains a variety of material relating to Jewish refugees, which had been placed on one side by Dorothea after the war for permanent preservation. It has not been listed in detail but sorted into three broad categories. The last section, comprising additional correspondence of the Singers with Sir Zachary Cope, Sir Arthur Salusbury MacNalty and Dr F N L Poynter, is not strictly part of the collection, but these groups of correspondence were given to the Institute to be placed alongside the Singer papers.
Singer , Charles Joseph , 1876-1960 , historian of science and medicine Singer , Dorothea Waley , 1882-1964 , historian of science and medicineThe collection includes two of his diaries (1854 and 1875), letters of condolence on his death and many of his personal letters. Some of the letters pertain to his work in the explosives industry while many are correspondence between him and his social and professional contemporaries: Sir William Armstrong, Sir James Dewar, The Duke of Devonshire, Michael Faraday, Thomas Graham, Carl Haag, A W von Hofmann, William Odling and William Rockerfeller as well as the private secretaries acting on behalf of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales (latterly King George V).
Abel , Frederick Augustus , 1827-1902 , chemistPapers relating to Smith's academic career, [1929-1970], including manuscript and typescripts lecture notes on various scientific topics, mainly chemical experiments, equations and theory, personal notebooks containing details of scientific papers by others, notes on famous scientists, and a copy of Smith's DSc thesis on 'Studies in intensive drying and related phenomena; manuscript and typescript drafts and fair copies of scientific papers by Smith for publication; index cards of chemicals; correspondence with academics and industrialists.
Smith , John William , d 1985 , Professor of ChemistryCollection of notes, extracts, translations, etc. from alchemical works: including also iatro-chemical receipts, alchemical, chemical, and technical processes, etc.: in French and Latin. Compiled by C. T., M.D. Illustrated with a few small and roughly executed pen-drawings of alchemical apparatus. There are also some grotesque heads and faces. Mainly written in a small and difficult current hand with many contractions. Pp. 260-343 in Vol. I are by another hand. Though mainly consisting of notes and anonymous extracts, processes, etc., the following may be separately mentioned: Vol. I. [Anon.] Traitté de la Grande Oeuvre (pp. 1-62). Basilius Valentinus. Enseignemans des Artifices concernant l'Ouvrage Universel ... et les Conclusions de tous ses escripts (86-113). Helmont (J. B. van). Imago firminti Liquor Alchaest (196-209). [Anon.] Stichiomantia. De li dadi: in Italian (210-213). Bernhardus Trevisanus. Responsio ad Thomam de Bononia: extract: in Latin (224-243) Glaser (C.). Annotations tirées de la Chimie de Glaser (306-322). Vol. II. Philaletha (E.). La confection du Grand Élixir métallique selon la pratique du Philalèthe conforme à celle du Cosmopolite et à la doctrine de Gebir (pp. 200-231). This seems to be a condensed version of the 'Enarratio methodica', 1678 by Eirenaeus Philaletha [cf. Ferguson: 'Bibliotheca Chemica', Vol. II, p. 191]. Copus (Martinus) [pseud. Cephalus (Arioponus)] Apotelesmata philosophica Mercurii triumphantis 1601: extract (358-371) [cf. Ferguson, op. cit., Vol. I, p. 150]. Albertus Magnus, St. Collectiones ex libro de animalibus, etc. (384-388). Densinger (A. B.). Geber ressuscité: an abbreviated version in French of the author's 'Geber redivivus' (394-406) [cf. Ferguson: op. cit., Vol. I, pp. 206, 207]. On p. 349 bis of Vol. II is a magical Hebrew 'Oratio angelica' written in Latin characters, there are other Latin charms, and one in French on p. 349. The compiler's initials are found on p. 178 of Vol. II in the form 'C.T.M.D.', and again on p. 279 of the same volume as 'C.T.d.m.'. There are several dates found in the second volume, the latest is 1683 on p. 26 and again on p. 27.
T , CLetter from Charles Taylor of Manchester to the Rt Hon Lord Sheffield, MP, of Sheffield Place, Sussex, 25 Sep 1793. On the use of chemistry in determining types of soils.
Autograph, with signature.
Taylor , Charles , fl 1793 , correspondent of John Baker Holroyd (Earl of Sheffield)Agendas and minutes of the Board and its committees, 1893-1904, including the Scholarship Committee, Secondary Schools Committee, Polytechnics Committee, Teaching of Art and Technology Committee, Building Trades Committee, Commercial Education Committee, Domestic Economy Committee, Finance and General Purposes Committee, Higher Education Committee, Teaching of Chemistry Committee and Technical Instruction for Women Committee.
Also annual reports; issues of the London Technical Education Gazette, the official circular of the Board; pocket books; standing orders; special reports, including some prepared for the London County Council; proposals for new subjects of instruction; papers regarding scholarships and awards; inspection reports; maps of London showing centres of teaching art and science and technology; maps of London showing secondary schools for boys and girls; papers regarding individual polytechnics or schools including annual reports of the Bolt Court Technical School (later the School of Photo Engraving and Lithography); statistics; papers regarding the University of London and financial accounts.
Technical Education BoardLetters and papers of Sir Thomas Edward Thorpe including scientific letters to T E Thorpe from colleagues, with documents relating to the Chemical Warfare Committee of the International Law Association. Containing also Thorpe's own letters to family members, his testimonials for work appointments and obituary notices.
Thorpe , Sir , Thomas Edward , 1845-1925 , Knight , chemistLetter to Dr Johann Ludwig Wilhelm Thudichum, from F Hoppe-Seyler, Tubingen, 1869; and letter from Justus Liebig, Academie der Wissenschaften, 1871.
Thudichum , Johann Ludwig Wilhelm , 1829-1901 , neurochemist also known as Thudichum , John Lewis William , 1829-1901Typescript autobiography (incomplete) of Morris Travers.
Travers , Morris William , 1872-1961 , chemistSplendor Solis, alchemical treatises of Solomon Trismosin, adept and teacher of Paracelsus. Including allegorical pictures reproduced from the original paintings on vellum, dated 1582, in the British Museum. With introduction, elucidation of the paintings, aiding the interpretation of their occult meaning, Trismosin's autobiographical account of his travels in search of the Philosopher's Stone, a summary of his alchemical process called 'The Red Lion', and [explanatory notes]. By Julius Kohn. Two typescript copies, one on large 4to. sheets mounted, and prepared for the press, with the Editor's holograph corrections and additions: the other on folio typing-paper. The last illustration (No. 22) has been cut out. There are 21 photographic illustrations, of which Nos. 16, 19-24 have been coloured by hand. The folio set does not include the illustrations, but has the title-page and preliminary matter, which are missing in the 4to. set. The MS. from which this edition is transcribed is B. M. Harley 3469.
Trismosin , Salomon , adept and teacher of ParacelsusRecords of Imperial College relating to the University of London, 1901-1989, including correspondence concerning syllabuses and examinations, 1901-1905; Principal's correspondence, 1910-1914; centenary celebrations, 1935; 150th anniversary, 1986; student accommodation, 1943-1944; Commissioners, 1927-1928; University of London Act and Statutes, 1926-1956; reports and proposed Act, 1975-1981; establishment of Imperial College as a University School, 1907-1908; correspondence with the Court concerning grants, 1930-1946; visitations and inspections, 1923-1985, including reports; papers relating to Quinquennial estimates, visits, developments and policy, 1946-1980, including Rector's papers, 1957-1969; academic plan, 1965-1970; governance of the university, notably Rector's correspondence, 1970-1983; reports, 1972-1982; Senate minutes, 1987-1989 (UL4-ULB);
Military Education Committee and Officers' Training Corps correspondence and papers, 1908-1958, including D Company roll book, 1927-1936; University Air Squadron correspondence, 1935-1939 (ULC); Conference and Committee papers on Engineering, and award of degrees, 1909-1926; correspondence concerning the recognition of Imperial College courses, 1945-1969; entrance and pass requirements for BSc degrees, 1954-1963; papers relating to postgraduate courses, 1961-1987 (ULG); correspondence relating to examinations and curricula, 1908-1934; student registration, 1952; confidential theses, 1940-1945 (ULH); Boathouse Committee papers, 1934-1947; University of London Students' Union ephemera, 1989 (ULM);
papers relating to the Nuclear Reactor Centre, Silwood Park, 1958-1980, notably opening, 1964-1965; purchase of the reactor, 1958-1965; Reactor Safety Committee, 1964-1974 (ULN);
papers concerning University Chairs and Readerships, 1908-1968, including regulations, 1922; correspondence concerning proposed Chairs and appointments, 1943-1968; Chairs tenable at Imperial College, 1943-1957; conferment of title of Professor and Readerships, 1931-1965; endowment of a Chair and Readership in Electrical Engineering, 1953-1958; applications for Assistant Professorships in Mining and Botany, 1908-1910 (ULO); papers concerning appointments to Chairs, with some papers concerning funding and administration for the Departments of Aeronautics, 1943-1975; Biochemistry, 1955-1979; Biology, 1952-1953; Botany including Biochemistry and Plant Physiology, 1936-1979; Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, 1935-1977; Analytical Chemistry, 1964-1975; Organic Chemistry, 1937-1978; Physical Chemistry, 1937-1977; Civil Engineering, 1945-1973; Computing and Control, 1974-1977; Electrical Engineering, 1944-1978; Geology, 1929-1975; Industrial Sociology, 1967-1978; Mathematics, 1946-1978; Mechanical Engineering, 1931-1978; Metallurgy, 1939-1976; Meteorology, 1933-1974; Mining, 1912-1980; Physics, 1937-1977; Zoology, 1930-1977 (ULP); appointments of readers in the Departments of Aeronautics and Aerodynamics, 1949-1972; Botany, 1942-1970; Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, 1932-1970; Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 1937-1965; Organic Chemistry, 1944-1971; Civil Engineering, 1946-1977; Computing and Control, 1967-1968; Electrical Engineering, 1947-1965; Geology, 1936-1976; Mathematics, 1932-1977; Mechanical Engineering, 1936-1967; Metallurgy, 1937-1970; Meteorology, 1938-1970; Mining, 1950-1975; Physics, 1938-1970; Zoology, 1937-1970 (ULR);
correspondence concerning the recognition of college staff as teachers of the University, 1908-1949; establishment of the London Graduate School of Business Studies, 1963-1966; collaboration with Queen Elizabeth College, 1968-1981; with the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, 1968-1974; correspondence with Royal Holloway College, 1918-1974; with University College concerning a course on air navigation, 1936-1953 (UM).
Student notes taken from Gabriel François Venel's lectures including on materia medica and chemistry, 1761-1796.
Venel , Gabriel François , 1723-1775 , Professor of Materia Medica and ChemistryNotes of lectures given at Naples University, all apparently taken by the same student, c 1750.
Vitagliano , Niccolo , fl 1750Notebooks of Frank Louis Warren made whilst a student at the Royal College of Science (Imperial College), 1925-1927, containing experiments, drawings and tables relating to chemistry and physical chemistry.
Warren , Frank Louis , fl 1925-1967 , chemistNotebooks of David Watson, [1864-1867], containing notes on lectures by Professor Andrew Ramsay concerning geology; lectures by August Wilhelm von Hofmann, 1865; lectures by Professor Edward Frankland concerning organic chemistry; lectures by T H Huxley concerning natural history, 1865; palaeontological demonstrations by Robert Etheridge, 1867; notes on mining, metallurgy and physics.
Watson , David , fl 1864-1899 , student at the Royal School of MinesPapers of Thomas Henry Watson, 1871-1874, comprising notes on botany from lectures by John Hutton Balfour (1808-1884) and notes on chemistry from lectures by Dr Letts, 1872-1873; notes on chemistry from lectures by Professor Alexander Crum Brown (1838-1922), 1871-1872; notes on systematic surgery from lectures by Dr John Chiene (1843-1923), 1872-1873; notes on materia medica and therapeutics from lectures by Professor Sir Robert Christison (1797-1882), 1873-1874; notes on clinical surgery from lectures by Professor Joseph Lister (1827-1912), 1872-1874; notes on pathology from lectures by Professor Sanders, 1873-1874; notes on natural history from lectures by Professor Sir Charles Wyville Thomson (1830-1882), 1872; and notes on anatomy from lectures by Professor Sir William Turner (1832-1916), 1872-1874.
Watson , Thomas Henry , fl 1871-1927 , surgeonRecords of Whiffen and Sons Ltd, founded by Thomas Whiffen (1819-1904), and of predecessor wholesale and manufacturing chemists, 1749-1971.
Whiffen and Sons LtdPapers of Martha Annie Whiteley, 1897-1934, comprising notebooks containing notes on a course of practical work for science mistresses by Professor Henry Edward Armstrong at the City and Guilds College, 1897; lectures by Professor Tilden, 1898-1899; lectures by Dr Philip at the Royal College of Science concerning physical chemistry, 1899-1900; notes on analysis of organic compounds, 1899; laboratory notebooks, 1902-1931; lectures concerning practical organic chemistry; elementary organic chemistry, [1922-1926]; papers relating to lecture experiments, 1899, 1913; obituary notices; presentation volume, 1934.
Whiteley , Martha Annie , 1866-1956 , chemistBiographical material comprising autobiographical writing, shorter biographical writings by others, documentation of the award of the Nobel Prize including an extensive sequence of letters of congratulation, a photographic record which includes an early, 1943, photograph taken in Montreal and photographs of a number of honorary degree and similar occasions not otherwise documented.
papers from Wilkinson's time at Imperial College London include correspondence with Imperial College Rectors and senior College administrators, 1978-1989; records relating to the Chemistry Department, 1979-1993, concerning building plans, finance and funding, Wilkinson's post-retirement plans amongst, requests to work in Wilkinson's laboratory, 1984-1993; research records relating to matters of funding, 1977-1993, principally from the Science Research Council/Science and Engineering Research Council; drafts relating to patents, ca 1976-ca 1985.
papers relating to the journal Polyhedron, where Wilkinson was chairman of the editorial board 1980-1993; records relating to societies including the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry.
correspondence, 1981-1993, reflecting Wilkinson's continuing interest in research; correspondence with politicians, covering science policy, university funding and Imperial College matters 1972-1988; correspondence arising from Russia's non-observance of International Copyright Conventions, 1969-1975.
Wilkinson , Sir Geoffrey , 1921-1996 , Knight, chemistPapers of Albert Wilson, c1870, comprising a volume titled [H]uman [P]athology, Prof. Saunders, 2 containing manuscript notes by Wilson, taken at the Pathology lectures of Professor Sanders at Edinburgh University; and a loose sheet containing notes on Tubercular Phthisis. The sheet of paper is from the Edinburgh Medical-Missionary Society's Training Institution and Dispensary at No 39 Cowgate. Wilson was resident physician at the Cowgate Dispensary.
Wilson , Albert , 1854-1928 , physician